A chef from Candelaria (Tenerife) will compete for the title of the best paella in the world
This Sunday, a Canarian chef could be crowned with the best paella in the world, and the pride of Tenerife will be at the table.
David Corbea Pérez, from the La Basílica restaurant in Candelaria (Tenerife), will compete this Sunday in Sueca for the title awarded by the Sueca International Paella Valenciana Competition. A very long name for a prize that smells of wood smoke and saffron.
According to local reports, the event will take place on the Passeig de l'Estació in Sueca. There will be no room for improvisation: each participant will cook their dish in front of a scrutinizing jury, and a notary will certify that everything is done according to the rules.
From Candelaria to Sueca: the challenge of a Canarian chef
The 65th edition brings together 40 chefs from 14 countries, with representatives from all five continents. This grand final is no local fair: we're talking about the competition that, year after year, transforms Sueca into the world capital of rice.
La Basílica is among the 12 restaurants selected for the national phase. Along with the Tenerife establishment, restaurants from Palma, Ciudad Real, Granada, Lleida, Madrid, Málaga, Murcia, Salamanca, and Seville are competing, as well as other representatives from the Valencian Community.
Getting this far hasn't been a gift: the competition has gone through a preliminary semi-final stage. The fact that a restaurant from Candelaria has made it into the top rice restaurants in the country speaks volumes about the island's caliber.
For those who haven't been to Sueca, it's worth remembering that paella is more than just a dish: it's a way of experiencing outdoor dining, the warmth of the fire, and perfectly cooked grains. And this competition, now in its 65th year, is its most prestigious showcase.
A world championship final with the flavor of Valencian paella
The road to Sueca has included international stops. The semifinals in Querétaro, Mexico, and Takatsuki Osaka, Japan, have served to select a good portion of the contenders.
From these tests, two finalists emerged: Burguettos, from Apizaco (Tlaxcala), and Casalina, from Kanagawa. The international list includes restaurants from Argentina, Australia, Colombia, the Czech Republic, the United States, France, Morocco, Peru, Switzerland, Turkey, and England.
There are also some curious options: Amor al Plato, from General Roca (Argentina); Simply Spanish, from Melbourne; Restaurante Rojo Madrid, from Barranquilla; Martos's Rice, from San Antonio; or David Soriano Events, from Zurich.
For a Canarian restaurant to compete among the best rice dishes in the world is already a triumph; if the paella turns out perfectly, Tenerife's pride is served in a deep bowl.
The jury and the recipe: paella doesn't allow for shortcuts
The challenge is no small feat. Participants must prepare their dishes following the competition's traditional recipe, a way to preserve Valencian paella and, at the same time, maintain its international standing.
The jury is made up of renowned professionals with extensive culinary experience. The competition also has a notary present: cheating with the socarrat is not allowed here.
Among the key factors experts consider are the broth, the rice's consistency, the distribution of ingredients, and that crispy bottom layer (socarrat) that should appear without being bitter. Every detail counts, and a single oversight can cost you a place on the podium.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in the main category. The best paella from a local, regional, national, and international restaurant will also be recognized, so there's more than one crown up for grabs.
For the Canary Islands, the mere presence of La Basílica already feels like a victory. The best is yet to come this Sunday, with a ladle in hand and the crispy socarrat as your greatest ally.
The best part of the story is that Candelaria's name will be mentioned where the best paella in the world is decided. If Sunday goes well, Tenerife will be able to boast of having a top-notch rice chef.
🍽️ The foodie card
- 🏠 Location / Establishment: The Basilica.
- 📍 Location: Candelaria, Tenerife.
- 🍴 Type of food / Specialty: Rice dishes and competition cuisine.
- 💰 Average price: Not confirmed; check with the store.